Choux Pastry Crown

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease a 9-inch round cake pan or ring mold.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup water, 8 tablespoons butter, and 0.5 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then remove from heat and immediately stir in 1 cup flour until a smooth dough forms.

Step 3

Return the pan to medium heat and cook the dough for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it pulls away from the sides and smells slightly nutty. Transfer to a mixing bowl and let cool for 5 minutes.

Step 4

Beat in 4 eggs one at a time, mixing well after each, until the dough is glossy and falls slowly from a spoon. Spoon the dough into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip, or use a zip-top bag with a corner snipped.

Step 5

Pipe the dough in a spiral pattern into the prepared pan to form a crown shape. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until puffed and deep golden brown. Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.